John the Baptist is an interesting guy.
When Jesus comes on the scene and people begin flocking to him for baptism, someone asks John the Baptist how he feels about his personal loss of “business” and playing second fiddle to the new guy.
I love how John replies in John 3:27-30:
A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, “I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.” The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.
When it comes to reaching people for Christ, we’re each playing a supporting role. Our job is to love people, introduce them to Christ and then let Him take over. Certainly, we’re there for earthly support and encouragement, but Christ is always the focus.
And we can also apply John’s words in verse 30 to our personal lives. Once Jesus is on the scene, we need to yield to him. He needs to become greater and our selfish wants need to become less. As we grow in Christ, people need to see more of Him and less of us.
In what ways is Christ becoming greater in your life?
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